In a method for controlling an internal combustion engine with direct fuel injection, an injection parameter is determined in dependence on a temperature of the internal combustion engine. The method is characterized in that a first value of the internal combustion engine temperature is determined which, in the event of changes in the operating point of the internal combustion engine, changes comparatively quickly to a value which is characteristic of the new operating point. A second value of the internal combustion engine temperature is formed which, in the event of changes in the operating point, changes comparatively slowly, and in that the injection parameter is defined in dependence on the first value and the second value.